The Times-PicayuneJon Vilma is drawing interest from the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly shown interest in Saints free agent linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Tampa would seem to be an unlikely destination for the former Pro Bowler.

The Bucs do have two significant factors working in their favor -- a ton of salary-cap space available, and the proximity to Vilma's hometown of Coral Gables. But what they don't have is an opening at middle linebacker, with Barrett Ruud firmly planted in the middle of their defense.

Presumably they would want Vilma to move over to weakside linebacker in their 4-3 defensive alignment. But Vilma made it clear when he arrived in New Orleans last year that he prefers to play middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He felt out of place when the New York Jets switched to a 3-4 alignment three years ago and altered his position.

That would seem to be a major factor for him. But then again, money and respect both count for a lot in free agency, so it may depend on how aggressively each team pursues him. So far, no offers from either team have been confirmed. Neither have any scheduled visits to Tampa or anywhere else.

The Saints should still be considered the front-runners in the race for Vilma's services, but they need to stay aggressive, especially now that some of the other top defensive players are starting to be plucked off the market. Several teams will at least kick the tires on Vilma.

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Tampa Bay is also expected to show interest in Saints free agent receiver Devery Henderson. Last year, the Bucs showed some interest in Henderson when he was a free agent. But he chose to sign a one-year deal with the Saints instead. Henderson had his best year as a pro, though, and Tampa Bay has more openings at receiver after releasing veterans Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.

Reportedly, the Seattle Seahawks have been pursuing Saints free agent offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb. The Saints would like to keep Stinchcomb. But with limited cap space, they won't get into a bidding war for him, so he could very well land elsewhere.

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Free agent cornerback Ron Bartell is scheduled to land in New Orleans this evening and stay overnight for a visit with the Saints. So far, his is the only confirmed visit on the Saints' agenda.